16338 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform

16338 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: Does the Minister intend that the proposed two new Acts, the Planning Act and Natural Environment Act, of the RMA reform will include any mechanism for recognising and providing for mātauranga Māori and kaitiakitanga; if not, why not?

Hon Chris Bishop: Further work is required on the specific details of the new legislation. Māori have interests in the environment that need to be recognised and provided for in the resource management system. The Government is committed to recognising its Treaty obligations through this reform. How the legislation achieves this is still being worked through. Ministers will take policy decisions in the coming months to ensure the new system provides as much clarity as possible for all system users, including Māori.